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Thread: Meeting Joey Votto

  1. #1
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    Meeting Joey Votto

    I apologize if this is posted in the wrong place and moderators can move or remove as necessary. I have a 21 year old son with autism. For people with autism their world can be very small and their interests are very narrow. My son loves sports, especially baseball. He talks about the Reds all of the time and Joey Votto is by far his favorite player. He watches a Reds game at least one time a day. We have been to Great American a few times and every time we go he is like a 3 year old on Christmas morning. Does anyone have any insight on how I can arrange to get him a very brief meeting with Votto? Maybe just two minutes for an autographed ball and maybe a pic. People at this age with autism get passed over because they are no longer cute little kids or have an obvious physical handicap. He might be 21 but his mental age is more like 5. Anyone have contacts or ideas?

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    I rig polls REDREAD's Avatar
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    If you go to this page, there's a "donation request" button.
    https://www.mlb.com/reds/official-information/contact

    It looks like you have to go through several clicks to get to where you want to be.
    I am guessing at some point there's a place to type in text, you could explain your request there.
    I would suggest saying that while Votto is his favorite, he would be thrilled to meet any Red (I am guessing the player he meets becomes his new favorite).

    I know a few years ago, the Reds had a young man with Downs syndrome hang out with the team for awhile.. If I remember correctly, there was some Reds community fund fundraiser that his parents donated to, and they got hooked up through there.. So if you have the cash, that's another option to try.. (or maybe I am remembering that story completely wrong? Thankfully, there's always someone on RZ to correct a mistake lol)

    Good luck with your request and I hope your son gets the thrill he is looking for. Take care.
    [Phil ] Castellini celebrated the team's farm system and noted the team had promising prospects who would one day be great Reds -- and then joke then they'd be ex-Reds, saying "of course we're going to lose them". #SellTheTeamBob

    Nov. 13, 2007: One of the greatest days in Reds history: John Allen gets the boot!

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  6. #3
    he/him *BaseClogger*'s Avatar
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    The best opportunity for player access I have experienced is spring training. If there's anything you can do to get out to Arizona for a couple of days I think that is your best bet. The first time I attended a game, Bryan Price was hanging down by the front row and I asked him if Joey was playing the next day. I imagine if you were in the same situation and told the manager--or anybody in the organization--this story you might get there help in making it possible. Votto didn't spend much time interacting with the fans (his right) but I bet if a teammate or coach explained it to him he'd work something out.

    I think you and your son would have a blast either way. Good luck!

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  8. #4
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    While you can certainly try to go through official channels, I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to send Votto a hand-written letter either. I don't imagine players get that many letters these days, so I figure it's quite likely to be seen by Votto himself. He would then be in a position to personally request the Reds help set it up.
    Games are won on run differential -- scoring more than your opponent. Runs are runs, scored or prevented they all count the same. Worry about scoring more and allowing fewer, not which positions contribute to which side of the equation or how "consistent" you are at your current level of performance.

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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    I wish we could make it to spring training but it really isn't in the cards this year. I figure my best opportunity might be that someone in this organization has undoubtedly experienced a family member with autism and they really understand what this means. Meeting Joey would be such a huge thing for my son but pretty easy for the right person to make it happen.

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  12. #6
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    Quote Originally Posted by TNRED View Post
    I wish we could make it to spring training but it really isn't in the cards this year. I figure my best opportunity might be that someone in this organization has undoubtedly experienced a family member with autism and they really understand what this means. Meeting Joey would be such a huge thing for my son but pretty easy for the right person to make it happen.
    I think Rick has the best idea. Try it and see if you get a response. I’d think the Reds and Votto would try to arrange some kind of meet and greet at batting practice. A hand written letter just would come off as more genuine and sincere.

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  14. #7
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    Fingers crossed!

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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    I would sent a DM on Twitter to Trevor Bauer. Dude is very responsive on social media and he seems to be into helping the community. He did a lot in Cleveland, and I may be misremembering, but I think he was involved with some kind of autism charity.
    What would you say.....ya do here?

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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    Thanks guys for the great ideas and support. Writing a letter might just be a great method. I said he wants to meet Votto and he is his favorite player but he would be thrilled to meet any of the Reds players. I guess one of the reasons he likes Votto so much is that he has been a constant for the last several years. We live about an hour from the Reds rookie affiliate in Greeneville and have gone to some of those games. If the letter method doesn't work perhaps I can get some assistance from the Greeneville Reds.

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    Member wlf WV's Avatar
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    My avatar is my late son Ledges, who died of complications from pneumonia in 2010. I know what it means to you to be able please your son. I pray you get this for done for him. My son didn’t ask for much, but cherished the things he loved.
    May the Lord bless

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  22. #11
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    Quote Originally Posted by wlf WV View Post
    My avatar is my late son Ledges, who died of complications from pneumonia in 2010. I know what it means to you to be able please your son. I pray you get this for done for him. My son didn’t ask for much, but cherished the things he loved.
    I am sooo sorry to hear of your sons passing in 2010. My heart goes out to you. I cant imagine what you have gone thru and I send my condolences

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  24. #12
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    I'm not sure about the Reds and how they do it, but could maybe could get a pregame on field pass for batting practice- that would get you down there and then maybe more visible to get an intro? Good luck!
    UNC Tar Heels 2017 National Champions 6 time NCAA Champs!!!
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    Go Heels!!!!!

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  26. #13
    Rally Onion! Chip R's Avatar
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    Maybe try reaching out to his agent/management company. Cot's says he is represented by Dan Lozano of MVP sports.
    Quote Originally Posted by Raisor View Post
    I was wrong
    Quote Originally Posted by Raisor View Post
    Chip is right

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  28. #14
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    I agree a letter to a his management is the way to go. Getting a Votto for Prime Minister shirt is not a bad way to go.
    https://cincyshirts.com/products/vot...15961562742841

    Story
    https://www.mlb.com/cut4/joey-votto-...sey-c293174720

  29. #15
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    Re: Meeting Joey Votto

    Quote Originally Posted by RedsManRick View Post
    I don't imagine players get that many letters these days
    I don’t know about Votto, but in 2009 I did a private tour or Yankee Stadium and while I was there they delivered Jeter his fan mail. It was four full bags of mail. The delivery guy told me he delivered that much to Jeter every weekday.

    The more amazing thing is that Jeter would do his best to read every one. The guy told me Arod would only get 20-30 letters a day and seldom opened any of them.


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